Atlanta Celebrates Annual Lenten Retreat

Pope Francis declared “Pilgrims of Hope” as this year’s theme for the Jubilee, and we followed his message on our Atlanta Region Lenten Retreat from March 7 to 8.

Forty members of our Atlanta Malta family, consisting of knights, dames, candidates, members of the auxiliary, volunteers, and friends, travelled to Sharon, Georgia to the historic Church of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in 1883, and stayed at their beautiful, newly opened Heritage Retreat Center. The cottages and grounds sit on 200 picturesque and tranquil acres, perfectly suited for spiritual reflection. Atlanta Archbishop Gregory John Hartmayer, OFM Conv. designated the church as a pilgrimage site for Jubilee 2025.  We were fortunate to have the Rev. Richard Mullins, conventual chaplain ad honorem, join us, to give many inspirational talks. He also celebrated Mass and heard confessions, alongside our own Msgr. Edward Dillon, conventual chaplain ad honorem.

Over these two days, we had the opportunity to live in community while praying the rosary, remembering in prayer those who could not be with us, eating meals together, working on Lourdes malade blankets, praying the holy hours of the day, and enjoying fellowship. A highlight was sitting around the fire pits, looking at the stars, and making s’mores. It was such a wonderful way to begin our Lenten journey by being together in community and supporting each other in faith. We have already started plans for next year’s retreat.